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How to Open a Shared SharePoint List in the Microsoft Lists App
Question details
The user wants to open a shared SharePoint list directly in the Microsoft Lists application rather than viewing it in the SharePoint web browser interface.
- Product
- Microsoft Lists
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A user receives a link to a shared list, but clicking it opens the SharePoint web view instead of the dedicated Microsoft Lists app.
- Observed behavior
- The list opens in the browser's SharePoint interface, likely because the link targets the web location or the list is configured to use the legacy Classic experience.
Ensure you have the necessary permissions to view the shared list and verify that you are using Microsoft Edge if you plan to install Lists as a Progressive Web App (PWA).
Install Microsoft Lists as an Edge Progressive Web App (PWA)
Install the Lists app through Microsoft Edge to easily open your lists in a dedicated application window instead of a standard browser tab.
Microsoft Lists can be installed as an app directly from your browser. You have the choice to install the entire Lists home page or just an individual list for quick access.
Launch the Microsoft Edge browser and navigate to the Microsoft Lists home page or the specific shared list you want to open.
Click on the three-dot menu (Settings and more) located in the top-right corner of the Edge browser.
Navigate to 'Apps' in the dropdown menu and select 'Install Microsoft Lists'.
Alternatively, if a prompt appears within the web interface, click on 'New Lists Desktop App' to install it directly.
Update List Experience Settings from Classic to New
If the list opens in SharePoint's classic view, it prevents modern Microsoft Lists app integration. An owner must update this setting.
Access Microsoft Lists via the Microsoft 365 App Launcher
If direct links continue to fail, you can manually navigate to the Lists app directly from your Microsoft 365 dashboard.
Need a Lightweight Office Suite? Try WPS Office
While Microsoft Lists handles your database tracking, you might also need a reliable, free alternative for your daily document, spreadsheet, and presentation tasks. WPS Office offers high compatibility with Microsoft Office formats in a single, lightweight application.
- 1. Visit the WPS Office Website: Go to the official WPS Office website to find the free installer.
- 2. Download the Installer: Click the 'Download' button to get the lightweight installation file for your operating system.
- 3. Install the Suite: Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts to set up your comprehensive office suite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my shared list open in SharePoint instead of Microsoft Lists?
This usually happens if the shared link specifically targets the SharePoint web URL, or if the list's background settings are configured to use the legacy 'Classic experience' rather than the modern 'New experience'.
Can I install Microsoft Lists on my desktop without a browser?
Microsoft Lists is primarily a web-based application, but you can install it as a Progressive Web App (PWA) using Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. This makes it behave exactly like a standalone desktop application on your PC.
Do I need special permissions to change the List experience?
Yes, you must have 'Edit' or 'Owner' permissions for the specific list to access the 'List settings' menu and modify the display experience from Classic to Default or New.
Will changing the list experience from Classic to New affect other users?
Yes, updating the list from Classic to New experience is a global change for that specific list. It will update the user interface for everyone who accesses it, including the list manager.
